Ind vs NZ ODI: First shock of the new year, will Team India face New Zealand without Bumrah and Hardik? Know the big reason

News India Live, Digital Desk: A 3-match ODI series and a 5-match T20 series are to be played between India and New Zealand in January 2026. Fans were hoping that Team India would start the year with full strength, but according to reports, the selectors have made a different strategy. The news is that Jasprit Bumrah and team vice-captain Hardik Pandya will be kept out of the ODI series. He has not been dropped, rather he is being given rest under “workload management”. Why is this being done? According to cricket pundits and experts, there are two big reasons behind this: Preparation for T20 World Cup 2026: T20 World Cup is to be held in the year 2026 itself, which will be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka. In such a situation, BCCI’s entire focus is on T20 format. Bumrah and Hardik are the most important pillars of this team. The management does not want these players to get tired or injured during a bilateral ODI series. He is being saved for bigger “missions”. Hardik’s bowling load: Hardik Pandya’s fitness is always in the news. There is a lot of difference between bowling 4 overs in T20 and 10 overs in ODI. The medical team probably does not want to put the burden of 10 overs on Hardik immediately. Therefore, they can be used directly in the T20 series, which is also their strongest point. Long cricket season: The Indian team has played a lot of cricket recently. A bowler like Bumrah, who gives his 100% effort, his body needs recovery. So when will these two be seen next? Fans do not need to be too disappointed. Reports say that this ‘break’ is only for 3 ODI matches. Both Bumrah and Hardik are expected to make a comeback in the 5-match T20 series starting from January 21. Their playing in the T20 series is more important for the preparations for the World Cup. The youth have a ‘golden chance’. The absence of big players means an open field for the youth. Players like Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and emerging all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will have a golden opportunity to make their mark in ODIs. If this continues, Team India’s bench strength will become even more dangerous. So are you ready to cheer for a ‘new Team India’? Whatever be the decision, the aim is only one – the upcoming World Cup should be India’s!